Cam Newton's surgically repaired shoulder has been the focus for much of the Carolina Panthers' preseason, but the focus turned to the franchise quarterback's left foot and ankle after a first-quarter sack in Thursday night's 10-3 preseason loss at New England.
Team medical staff examined Newton's left foot on the sideline after the sack, his second in three series. The 2015 NFL MVP then walked to the locker room, and the team later announced he would not return.
A league source told ESPN that an initial diagnosis on Newton, who was in a walking boot after the game, was a sprained ankle, and that more will be learned on Friday with further tests.